South Africa wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock misses third England Test match through injury

Quinton de Kock has been omitted from South Africa's team for the third Test match against England after suffering a knee injury on the eve of the game. The 23-year-old wicket-keeper, who was recalled to the side for the second Test in Cape Town, injured himself the evening before the game in Johannesburg.

Dr Mohammed Moosajee, the South Africa team manager, explained de Kock sprained his knee while at home. He has been replaced by Dane Vilas, 30, who has played five Tests. "Quinton slipped and sprained his right knee at home late yesterday afternoon," he said. "Initially, he didn't think it was too serious but woke up after midnight in pain and with a swollen knee. He will have investigations done later today to ascertain the extent of the injury."

The hosts, who won the toss at the Wanderers Stadium and opted to bat first, also handed a debut to fast bowler Hardus Viljoen, who replaced spinner Dane Piedt.

Despite the skies above Johannesburg being overcast, South Africa's new captain AB de Villiers defended his decision to bat. "We've played a lot of cricket here; the pitch always looks like this. It's overcast so it wasn't an easy decision to bat," he said, according to the BBC. "Our batters are on great form and we're very excited to put pressure on England. We turned things around in Cape Town and we walk in today with a bit of confidence."

Meanwhile, England captain Alastair Cook admitted he would have also batted. "It was a really interesting decision. We were going to bat first because we think the cracks will open up, but it is cloudy too," he said.

England lead the four-match series 1-0, following their comprehensive win in the opening game of the series in Durban.